Highland Master

In 1401 Scotland, Lady Catriona Mackintosh is hunting with her dog when she comes across a wounded warrior, Fin of the Battles. She takes him home, suspecting he was attacked by Rory Comyn, a treacherous neighbor who is pressing her for marriage. Her grandfather, the Mackintosh, recognizes Fin as the sworn man of the wild prince Rothesay. Unfortunately, Comyn favors the prince's rival, the manipulative Albany, and soon Fin's loyalties, his problematical friendship with Catriona's fiery brother, and troubled Highland politics lead to Fin and Cat undertaking a dangerous quest. Scott (Border Lass) is clearly familiar with Scotland's history, and she deftly handles period dialogue and attitudes with only a few slips. Great with sensual scenes, Scott escapes the cliché of a masterful male taming a "wildcat" woman; instead, Fin and Catriona learn to communicate and compromise in this solid romantic adventure. (Feb.)